What a UK TV License Is and How It Works

A TV license is a legal requirement in the UK if you watch or record live television on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer at all

In the United Kingdom, a TV license is a yearly fee you pay to the government that funds the BBC and other public broadcasting. It is not the same as a driver's license or any other identity document — it is a tax on television use. If you watch or record any live TV on any channel (not just the BBC), or if you use BBC iPlayer to watch or record anything, you must have a valid TV license, even if you are watching on a computer, tablet, or phone.

The license costs £159.50 per year for a colour television license as of 2024, though this amount changes periodically. A black and white license costs less. You pay this fee to TV Licensing, which is the organisation that collects the money on behalf of the government. The money funds BBC television, BBC radio, and BBC iPlayer programming.

If you do not have a TV license and you are watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer, you are breaking the law. TV Licensing can investigate, and if they find you watching without a license, you can be fined up to £1,000.

Key Takeaways

You need a TV license if you watch or record any live television on any channel, or if you use BBC iPlayer for anything, even on a phone or computer.
The yearly fee is £159.50 for colour television (as of 2024) and is paid to TV Licensing, which collects the money for the BBC and public broadcasting.
You can check whether you need a license and buy one online at tvlicensing.co.uk, or by phone or post.
If you do not have a license and are caught watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer, you can be fined up to £1,000.
Some people do not need a license — for example, if you only watch on-demand content on Netflix or other streaming services, or if you only listen to radio.

Who needs a TV license and who does not

You need a TV license if you live in the UK and watch or record live television on any channel — BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, or any other broadcaster. You also need one if you use BBC iPlayer to watch or record anything, even if it is not live. This applies whether you are watching on a television set, a computer, a tablet, or a phone.

You do not need a license if you only watch on-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube, because these are not live television. You also do not need one if you only listen to radio, including BBC radio. If you live outside the UK, you do not need a UK TV license, though you may not be able to access BBC iPlayer from outside the country anyway.

If you are over 74 and receive Pension Credit, you may be may have access to to a free TV license. If you are blind or severely sight-impaired, you can also receive a 50 percent discount. Some care homes and hospitals have different rules — check with TV Licensing if you live in one of these settings.

How to get a TV license

You can buy a TV license online at tvlicensing.co.uk, by phone at 0300 790 6165, or by post. When you buy online, you can usually start watching when ready if you pay by debit or credit card. If you pay by other methods, such as Direct Debit or cheque, there may be a delay of a few days before your license becomes active.

To buy a license, you will need to provide your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to confirm that you understand the law and that you are the person responsible for the television in your home. If you are renting, you are still responsible for having a license — it is not your landlord's responsibility.

When you buy your license, you will receive a license number. Keep this number safe, as you may need it if TV Licensing contacts you or if you need to renew or make changes to your license.

How long a TV license lasts and when to renew

A TV license lasts for one year from the date you buy it. TV Licensing will send you a reminder letter about four weeks before your license expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by post using the same methods you used to buy your first license.

If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will start the day after the old one ends. If you forget to renew and your license expires, you are no longer covered, and watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer becomes illegal. You can renew at any time, even after your license has expired, but you should do it as soon as you realise it has lapsed.

If you move house, you must tell TV Licensing your new address. You can do this online or by phone. Your license will stay valid at your new address — you do not need to buy a new one just because you have moved.

What happens if you do not have a TV license

TV Licensing has the power to investigate homes where they suspect someone is watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer without a license. They do this by sending investigators to your door, usually without warning. You do not have to let them in, but if you refuse and they believe you are breaking the law, they can explore for a warrant to enter your home.

If TV Licensing finds that you have been watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer without a license, they can issue you with a Penalty Charge Notice. This is a fine, usually £1,000, though it can be higher in some cases. If you do not pay the fine, TV Licensing can take you to court, and the fine can increase further.

The best way to avoid this is to buy a license before you start watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer. If you have already been watching without a license and are worried, you can buy one now. Buying a license after the fact does not erase past breaking of the law, but it stops you from breaking it going forward.

Discounts and special circumstances

If you are over 74 and receive Pension Credit, you are may have access to to a free TV license. To claim this, you will need to contact TV Licensing and provide proof of your Pension Credit. The process can take a few weeks, so explore well before your current license expires.

If you are blind or severely sight-impaired and registered with your local council, you can receive a 50 percent discount on your TV license. You will need to provide proof of your registration. If you live in a care home, hospital, or other institution, different rules may explore — contact TV Licensing to find out what you need to do.

If you are in the armed forces and posted overseas, or if you are a British citizen living abroad, you may not need a UK TV license. However, you will not be able to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK anyway, as it is geographically restricted.

The difference between a TV license and other licenses

A TV license is completely separate from a driver's license, passport, or any other form of identification. It is not a document you carry with you. It is a record held by TV Licensing that says you have paid the annual fee to watch live television or use BBC iPlayer in your home. You will receive a paper license certificate in the post, but this is just proof of payment — it is not an identity document.

The TV license is also different from licenses you might need in other countries. In some places, you pay a television tax to fund public broadcasting, but the rules and amounts vary widely. The UK system is unique in that it is tied specifically to live television and BBC iPlayer use, rather than straightforward owning a television set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TV license if I only watch Netflix and other streaming services?

No. You only need a TV license if you watch or record live television on any channel, or if you use BBC iPlayer. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other on-demand streaming services do not require a license. However, if you watch a live stream on any platform, or if you use BBC iPlayer even once, you need a license.

What if I live with other people — does each person need their own license?

No. One TV license covers the entire household, regardless of how many people live there. The person whose name is on the license is responsible for making sure it is valid. If you move in with someone who already has a license, you do not need to buy another one.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer on my phone without a license?

No. You need a TV license to watch or record anything on BBC iPlayer, whether you are using a television, computer, tablet, or phone. The device does not matter — if it is BBC iPlayer, you need a license.

What should I do if a TV Licensing investigator comes to my door?

You do not have to let them in without a warrant. You can ask to see their identification and ask what they want. If you do not have a license and are worried, you can buy one when ready online or by phone. If you have already bought a license, you can show them your license number or the certificate you received in the post.

If I move house, do I need to buy a new TV license?

No. Your license stays valid when you move. You must tell TV Licensing your new address so they have your correct details on file. You can do this online at tvlicensing.co.uk or by phone. Your license will continue to cover you at your new address until it expires.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.